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Juanita's story is the second couponing journey we are sharing in our weekly series on how couponing works at your house. As you may recall, last week, Nancy shared that she has been couponing for decades and that her children are now grown. This week, Juanita explains how she just started couponing for her family including her husband and young daughter. Here is her story and how they make couponing work in their home.

My great thanks to Juanita for sharing her story! I love her couponing quote in the very last question below!

I also want to thank everyone who has sent me their stories so far! I look forward to sharing them each week. If you would like to share your couponing story, it's not too late! Just send me an answer to the questions below at saving@smartspendingresources.com.

How many people are in your household?Myself, my husband and our daughter

Why did you start couponing?Because I just had our daughter, I was out of work, my husband was the only income (after having 2 incomes since we've been married it was hard to transition to just one income) and diapers and formula were expensive lol

How long have you been couponing?I went to my 1st class on February 4th 2012. Its been a little over a year.

How much do you spend on groceries and non-food essentials per week?Our grocery budget is $90 every 2 weeks and non food is $25 every 2 weeks

How much do you save each week?OMG ssssooo much, percentage wise I haven't figured that out yet but dollar wise anywhere between $40-$75 every 2 weeks

How much time do you spend couponing and shopping each week?When we go shopping (baby and I) we usually spend about 45 minutes in the market. I have to confess. I am totally good with getting my paper Sunday morning and coming home to cut, but when I comes time to file, oh man I procrastinate as much as I can. When coupons are flying out of my binder, it's time to file!!

How do you organize your coupons?I purchased Faye's inserts which come alphabetically organized and that has been a life saver.

Do you have a weekly/monthly grocery planning/shopping routine?I make a menu for two weeks. I find its easier to jot down what we will be eating for the next 2 weeks and make my list from their. Then based on what is on the menu I look for coupons, if I need pasta or spaghetti sauce, whatever brand I have a coupon for is the kind we buy. We are so not brand specific.

Does anyone else in your household help with couponing and saving? If so, how do they help?My husband does not help with coupons but he does search for discounts and codes when he goes to sporting good stores, I taught him well :)

What’s the worst part about couponing?During SD's when I go to get a "hot item" and its gone

What’s the best part about couponing?Getting to try new things that I would not have thought of trying in the past, and saving money of course :)

Do you have a stockpile? Feel free to send a photo if you would like.I do not have a stock pile yet, I'm still working on that, as a newly unemployed person I would like to find another job making a little more money so that I may start building my stockpile, although my cupboards are fuller than they've ever been.

Do you do any meal planning? If so, do you plan weekly, monthly or at the beginning of each day?Weekly (2 weeks worth of dinners)

Do you have any words of wisdom for someone just getting started in couponing?Take your time, be patient, it takes work just like any thing else in life but once you start saving you will feel this sense of accomplishment and you will be so proud of yourself.

Is there anything else you want to share about your couponing journey?I would just like to say thank you to Faye for having the kind soul to do what she does for us everyday. I would also like to thank everyone on the blog, you have all become the family that I don't have here in NC. I read every post everyday and love to hear what you all have to say. I look forward to meeting some of you all in the future. My new slogan "Couponing is not a hobby, it's a lifestyle"

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mrschizzyApr 1, 2013

Love that quote, Juanita!! It's so true! Sending positive thoughts your way for the job search!!

raesmom1612Mar 29, 2013

Thanks for the comments mothar1 and ascherer!!

Faye Prosser - Smart ShopperMar 29, 2013

Thanks, sstone! I just got the order and filled it and I am heading to the PO in a bit to mail it. I ship via Priority Mail so you may even have it tomorrow. Since the po is closed on Monday (I assume) for Easter Monday, it may be Tuesday before you get it. Enjoy your new inserts! They fit in any regular 3-ring binder - zipper or non-zipper. I like the Case-It zipper binders found at Staples but they are a little pricey. You can probably find one for a great deal at your local Goodwill store. Thanks again!

sstone51Mar 29, 2013

Faye I live in Wilson...I am ordering a set of inserts for you right now. Thank you

mothar1Mar 29, 2013

Juanita, you are one smart lady, thanks for the story, and enjoy that little girl of yours. Nancy, your story and especially that part about the movers, loved it. Learn so much here from all of you

aschererMar 28, 2013

Juanita - Love your story. Between you and Nancy, you give a lot of encouragement to those of us that are just getting started. As you said, it does become a lifestyle. :-)

raesmom1612Mar 28, 2013

jdouglas my family is all the way up north too.....800 miles away :(, seriously im on this blog all day long. I look forward to reading what everyone posts everyday seeing if I cand help out in any way. I feel like you all are part of me lol thanks for your comments everyone!!!

raesmom1612Mar 28, 2013

Thanks for that heremeaj! You are absolutely correct. we as women have to do what we have to do to support our families, I'm just trying to be a good example for my Desirae.

hollyh515Mar 28, 2013

Thanks for sharing your story Juanita!!

heremeajMar 28, 2013

Juanitasmith2 - Like all of us, you are better at it than you were a year ago and next year you will be better than you are now. And I learn from all of you every day. Like Nancy always says, coupons are found money! And you and I were both using a Groupon when we met! I am so proud of you for the solutions you are finding to support your family.